I spent the entire month of May in Kenya, continuing to wait for my passport. In total, the waiting lasted three months, and at times it was not easy. Looking back now, however, I can clearly see that God used this season in ways I never expected. He worked deeply in my heart, taught me to trust Him more, gave me opportunities to minister to people around me, and blessed me with many wonderful new friendships for which I am incredibly thankful.

While I was in Kenya, God unexpectedly opened another door. In the middle of May, I had the opportunity to attend the YWAM Elders Leadership Conference for leaders from across Africa.
There I was able to present our ministry in Ethiopia, sharing about our team, our projects, and what God is doing among the children and the local community. Many YWAM leaders from different African nations now know about our ministry. They were especially encouraged to see young missionaries from Russia serving faithfully in Africa. I believe these connections lead to meaningful relationships and future partnerships.

At the beginning of June, I returned to Ethiopia and immediately jumped back into ministry. It was such a joy to see our children again! They had been asking about me while I was away, and they welcomed me back with so much love. It reminded me once again how important it is simply to be present in their lives.
My main responsibilities now include administrative work at the children's center, managing the budget for our children's sponsorship program, overseeing the needs of several children (including clothing, school supplies, and medical care), visiting families living in the slum communities, purchasing food for weekend distributions, teaching Bible lessons to our younger children, and caring for the teenagers who live in our center.

In May we launched a sponsorship program for both the children living at our center and those who attend our morning school and afternoon programs. We are grateful that sponsors have already committed to supporting these children and helping provide for their daily needs.
As a result, much of my time is currently spent working with budgets, spreadsheets, reports, and administrative planning. Although this work often happens behind the scenes, it is what keeps the ministry running smoothly and ensures that our children receive daily care, nutritious meals, and practical support.

Alongside all of this is the everyday life of our missionary family — sharing meals together, spending time with teenagers who only recently came off the streets or out of the slums, solving countless everyday challenges, attending church, and simply living life alongside the people God has entrusted to us. Sometimes it is difficult, but these are often the moments when God's presence and love become the most tangible.